| For another universe where Peggy Carter is a super soldier, see Earth-838 |
- "In another universe... a single choice created a whole new hero."
- ―Watcher[src]
The "Super Soldier Peggy Carter" Universe is an alternate reality where Peggy Carter was the subject of Project Rebirth, becoming a hero during World War II.
History[]
World War II[]
HYDRA's Rise[]
Johann Schmidt, also known as the Red Skull, served under Adolf Hitler during World War II, founding a Nazi science division called Hydra. However, he secretly wanted to betray his superiors and take control over the Earth, becoming a god. He recruited Arnim Zola to open a wormhole to summon a "champion" to aid him in his goal.[1]
Creating a Super Soldier[]
Steve Rogers and Peggy Carter in the SSR Brooklyn Facility
- "This is our only chance. Now!"
- ―Peggy Carter[src]
In order to combat Hydra, the U.S. government and the Strategic Scientific Reserve collaborated on Project Rebirth, a project to create an enhanced individual. Steve Rogers was chosen, and in June of 1943, he was escorted to the Strategic Scientific Reserve Brooklyn Facility by Peggy Carter. Before beginning, he asked Carter if the process was necessary, and Carter explained that many more cities would fall under attack if the Allies didn't have a super soldier on their side. He then climbed into the Rebirth Pod and prepared to begin the experiment.
Heinz Kruger shoots Steve Rogers
Everyone present listened to Abraham Erksine give a speech when Heinz Kruger detonated an explosive. The blast killed Erksine and several other scientists and Kruger shot Chester Phillips dead while attempting to steal a vial of the Super Soldier Serum. Rogers tried to help but was also shot by Kruger before Kruger was killed by Carter. Running to Rogers' side, Carter told him that she'd be right back before entering the Rebirth Pod. Howard Stark activated the chamber, turning Carter into a super soldier.[1]
Peggy Carter's Training[]
Peggy Carter argues with John Flynn
- "Nice left hook."
"Not according to Colonel Flynn, that weapons-grade moron!" - ―Steve Rogers and Peggy Carter[src]
John Flynn was angered by Peggy Carter's decision to receive the Super Soldier Serum, claiming that they wasted a lot of money just to transform a woman into a super soldier instead of a man. He went on to say that women didn't belong on the front lines and saying they might chip a nail. Carter retorted that they were about to lose the whole project, so she stepped in to make the right choice. Flynn did not relent to Carter's arguments and continued to make sexist comments towards her before finally refusing to allow her to fight, much to her anger and disappointment.
Peggy Carter and Steve Rogers talk
Still angry about her conversation with Flynn, Carter proceeded to the training room and began punching a punching bag until it detached from the chain and flew against the wall. Steve Rogers walked in and commented that she'd make a great soldier, but Carter disagreed. Rogers remarked that it could be worse and that Flynn could make her sell war bonds in a suit. Some soldiers marched by the window of the training room, reminding Rogers of his friend Bucky Barnes, who was fighting in the war without him.[1]
The Tesseract's Retrieval[]
- "The Tesseract was the jewel of Odin's treasure room. Fabled to hold the power to rewrite the very laws of physics and unlock doors across the universe."
"What you seek is just a legend."
"Then why do you try so hard to hide it?" - ―Johann Schmidt and Church Keeper[src]
Johann Schmidt combed through history in search of the most powerful weapon ever known and learned of the Tesseract, a weapon lost on Earth. Believing it to exist, he began a relentless search for it, as he knew it would give him the power to stop anyone who got in his way. Schmidt traveled to Norway in 1943 and invaded Tønsberg in search of the Tesseract. He entered a church where he suspected the Tesseract was being held and retrieved the powerful object before his soldiers executed the church's keeper.[1]
Fighting Back[]
Captain Carter holds a Hydra truck back
- "The Allies must be desperate, sending in a fragile Fräulein to fight for them."
"Fragile?" - ―Brick and Captain Carter[src]
Word got to Howard Stark that Castle Rock Tower had been destroyed by Hydra and that a powerful relic was stolen. Peggy Carter suggested that she could go retrieve the item, but John Flynn did not allow her to. However, at a bar, Stark gifted Carter a suit and shield to go retrieve the item against orders. Carter then traveled to Berlin and ambushed a HYDRA motorcade, destroying several vehicles, acquiring the Tesseract, and capturing Arnim Zola. Carter then returned to base and presented Flynn with the Tesseract, demanding to be put in the field. Stark commented that he knew exactly what to do with the object.[1]
Attack at Azzano[]
Bucky Barnes and the 107th Infantry Regiment were assigned to Azzano and were ambushed by Hydra soldiers, being taken captive. News of their capture got to the SSR.[1]
Liberation of Allied Prisoners of War[]
- "Stark made me some new dancing shoes. What do you think?"
"Well, then we better start dancing." - ―Hydra Stomper and Captain Carter[src]
Steve Rogers and Peggy Carter spoke about where Bucky Barnes and his infantry could have been taken, and Carter decided to go and save them. She arrived at their holding facility and punched a soldier in the face before taking his motorcycle. As she drove onto the grounds, soldiers began shooting at her from a watchtower, so she kicked the motorcycle into the tower, where it exploded. The POWs heard the explosions and finally saw Carter take down the last remaining HYDRA soldiers guarding their cell. Carter then ripped off the door of the cell and led the POWs into a ditch, where she radioed for air support.
Steve Rpgers calls for a cheer for Captain Carter
She and Barnes were shocked to see Rogers fly over them in armor powered by the Tesseract and designed by Howard Stark. Rogers destroyed several tanks, causing the Dum Dum Dugan to joke that he was surprised Carter and "that Hydra Stomper" were friends, and Barnes replied that he thought he was friends with him too. The group destroyed the rest of the HYDRA troops before Rogers exited his armor, calling for a cheer for Captain Carter, while Carter exclaimed they had a war to win.[1]
Attacking HYDRA[]
Captain Carter riding on Hydra Stomper
- "Captain Carter and this so-called Hydra Stomper are wreaking havoc."
- ―Roeder[src]
Following the victory, Captain Carter and the newly-formed Howling Commandos launched a large-scale attack on numerous Hydra facilities, taking them down one by one. At one such facility, Carter was confrontred by a group of HYDRA soldiers, punching several of them and taking the rest down with her shield. In another battle, Carter rode on Hydra Stomper while he flew towards two HYDRA planes. Carter jumped through the air and destroyed both planes before being caught in midair and flown away by Hydra Stomper. Because of Carter's exploits, the President called John Flynn, who took credit for Carter and Rogers' work.[1]
Betraying Hitler[]
Johann Schmidt shoots Roeder
- "The Third Reich will fall... and Hydra will rise from its ashes!"
- ―Red Skull[src]
Roeder was dispatched to Castle de Krake by Adolf Hitler, where he reprimaded Johann Schmidt due to his failure to prevent Captain Carter and Hydra Stomper destroying so many Hydra bases, demanding that he come before Hitler in Germany. However, Schmidt replied that he was a god and that gods didn't answer to men. He then ominously muttered that the Champion of Hydra would be summoned before shooting Roeder in the abdomen and taking off his mask, revealing his red skull. German soldiers attempted to open fire on Schmidt, but found themselves held at gunpoint. HYDRA agents surrounding Schmidt then performed the HYDRA salute.[1]
Attack on the Schnellzug EB912 Train[]
The Howling Commandos witness Steve Rogers' "death"
- "You said the Hydra Stomper was indestructible."
"It is! Was."
"His name is Steve Rogers, not the Hydra Stomper. Steve... And we've lost..." - ―John Flynn, Howard Stark and Peggy Carter[src]
The Strategic Scientific Reserve received intel that the Red Skull would be on the Schnellzug EB912 train, so the Howling Commandos organized a mission named Operation Eagles Dare, in which they would intercept the train and capture Red Skull, potentially ending the war. The Commandos traveled to the mountains where the train would pass while Hydra Stomper landed in front of it and slowed it down, allowing the unit to zipline onto it. Bucky Barnes nearly fell off the train but was caught by Captain Carter. Hydra Stomper broke into the train and was horrified to discover that it carried no passengers, instead being filled with dynamite. He attempted to warn the unit, but the dynamite exploded, destroying the tracks and bringing him down with them. Unbeknowst to them, Hydra retrieved the Hydra Stomper armor, the Tesseract, and Rogers, who was still alive.
The Howling Commandos organize a mission
The rest of the Howling Commandos managed to jump off the train in time, but the blast triggered an avalanche, forcing them to leave Rogers and return to base. Carter visited Arnim Zola in his prison cell, demanding that he tell her what Red Skull was planning. Zola informed her that Red Skull wanted to summon an interdimensional creature to Earth to ensure HYDRA's victory. Carter relayed this information to the SSR, and a mission was organized to stop Red Skull's scheme, with the Howling Commandos and Howard Stark agreeing to participate in it.[1]
The Ultimate Sacrifice[]
- "I can't close it. This thing is holding it open."
"Then I'll push it back to Hell!" - ―Howard Stark and Captain Carter[src]
At the Hydra base Castle de Krake, Captain Carter arrived and blew through several HYDRA soldiers before opening the gate for the Howling Commandos, resulting in a firefight. In the castle, Red Skull placed the Tesseract in a machine and a scientist activated it, beginning to form a portal. In another room, the Howling Commandos found the Hydra Stomper armor. Carter and Howard Stark rushed into the room with the portal and Red Skull gloated, stating they were too late, before being crushed by a tentacle from the Champion of Hydra, much to Stark's shock.
Captain Carter attacks the Champion of Hydra
Next to the Hydra Stomper armor, the Commandos' spotted Steve Rogers on the floor, much to their shared joy, before helping him activate the armor. He then flew upward to help Carter, who was armed with a sword and fighting HYDRA's champion. The two were happily reunited while Stark managed to reverse the portal's suction, but the champion held it open, leading Carter to opt to push the champion back into the portal herself.
Captain Carter disappears into the portal
Rogers attempted to help her by shooting missiles at the champion's tentacles, but his suit powered down, causing him to crash beside Carter. He then tearfully told her that she owed him a dance lesson, to which she agreed, before she gave the champion a final push and disappeared into the portal. A massive blast of energy rolled across the room, and the portal finally closed. The Tesseract dropped to the floor, while Rogers slumped over it in grief.[1]
War's End[]
A few months following Captain Carter's sacrifice, World War II ended in an Allied victory.[1]
Post-World War II[]
Feminist Movement[]
Since Captain Carter, a woman, helped end World War II, the feminist movement began right at the war's end. This led to a massive ripple effect across society leading to more women in positions of notoriety and power.[2]
Destroying HYDRA[]
With the war over, Hydra Stomper and Bucky Barnes began attacking the few remaining Hydra bases, destroying them all. On the mission to destroy the final facility, Hydra Stomper seemingly perished in action. In reality, Rogers was captured by the Red Room, who brainwashed him to complete their own evil missions.[3]
Founding of S.H.I.E.L.D.[]
Bucky Barnes would go on to found S.H.I.E.L.D. alongside his old friend Howard Stark, Hank Pym, and Pym's wife, Janet van Dyne.[4]
Budapest Operation[]
- "Before I joined S.H.I.E.L.D., I spent five days in a Hungarian sewer, tracking down and killing the head of the Red Room."
- ―Black Widow[src]
Spending five days in a Hungarian sewer, Black Widow was able to track down the leader of the Red Room, Dreykov, to Budapest, Hungary where she killed him by stabbing him in the carotid artery with a corkscrew.[3]
Captain Carter's Return[]
Captain Carter emerges from the wormhole
- "Sir, that's Captain Carter."
- ―Hawkeye to Nick Fury[src]
In 2011 at the Joint Dark Energy Mission Facility, the Tesseract activated, creating a wormhole from which Captain Carter emerged with a few sliced up tentacles from the slain Champion of Hydra. Carter turned around to see Nick Fury and Hawkeye. Fury asked her to put down the sword, but Barton recognized her as Captain Carter, the hero of World War II, and he relayed this information to Fury. Carter asked where Steve Rogers was, but was informed by Fury that the war ended nearly 70 years ago.[1]
Chitauri Invasion[]
Battle of New York[]
Captain Carter and Black Widow attack Loki
- "You go high, I go low?"
"Or we could just punch him a whole lot." - ―Captain Carter and Black Widow[src]
Having joined S.H.I.E.L.D., Captain Carter was a member of the super team known as the Avengers, along with close friend Black Widow, Iron Man, Thor, Hawkeye, and Wasp. The team assembled to fight the Chitauri when they were summoned with the Tesseract to New York City. While the rest of the team dealt with the Chitauri, Captain Carter and Black Widow climbed to the top of Stark Tower and defeated the head of the invasion, Loki.[3]
The Red Room Conspiracy[]
Hijacking and Retaking of the Lemurian Star[]
STRIKE is briefed by Captain Carter
- "I thought you were more than just a shield."
"I'm a pretty good dancer, too." - ―Georges Batroc and Captain Carter[src]
When the Lemurian Star was hijacked by a group of pirates led by Georges Batroc, STRIKE was tasked with retaking the ship.[5] Captain Carter picked up fellow STRIKE member Natasha Romanoff from her morning jog before meeting up with the rest of the team.[3] Later, Carter briefed the rest of STRIKE about their mission aboard a Quinjet en route to the ship. While getting ready for the mission ahead, Black Widow attempted to setup Carter with the accountant Bernard, but Carter rejected her offer and jumped from the Quinjet.
Watcher recruits Captain Carter
Rocketing into the water surrounding the ship, Carter soon boarded the Lemurian Star and made her way to the upper deck. Quickly dispatching the guards surrounding Batroc with her shield, Batroc then taunted Carter, stating that he thought she was "more than just a shield" and put down his gun. In response, Carter put away her shield and the two became engaged in hand to hand combat. The two continued to trade blows until Carter spotted an imposing figure in the sky. Revealing himself to be The Watcher, the figure informed Carter that she had been chosen as one of his champions to defeat Infinity Ultron and took her away. Upon Ultron's defeat, Carter was returned to the exact moment in time that she left, allowing Batroc to get a hit in on the disoriented Carter before being incapacitated by Black Widow.
The Hydra Stomper's identity is revealed
The two then headed to the ship cargo hold, where Widow then showed Carter what the pirates were after: an unconscious Steve Rogers in the Mark II Hydra Stomper Armor.[5] As Carter peered into the container, the Hydra Stomper sprung to life and attacked her and Widow. The pair then fled with the Hydra Stomper in hot pursuit. As the Hydra Stomper flew by, Carter was able to hit its mask with her shield, revealing a bearded Steve Rogers underneath the armor. Putting his mask back on, the Hydra Stomper rained a barrage of missiles down on the two, and they jumped in the water to escape.[3]
Confronting Fury[]
Captain Carter and Black Widow meet with Nick Fury
- "There's been rumors of the Hydra Stomper's survival since the 1960s."
"The 1960s? Why wasn't I debriefed on this?"
"Because we didn't debrief you on Bigfoot either." - ―Nick Fury and Captain Carter[src]
Having previously been told by Nick Fury that Steve Rogers had died during a mission in 1953, Captain Carter confronted him after learning that Rogers was in fact alive. Fury revealed that there have been rumors of Rogers survival since 1960s and if they were true, it would mean that Rogers was responsible for some of the worst acts of terror the world had ever seen. Black Widow then revealed that the Red Room had brainwashed Rogers and were using him as a pawn to commit their terroristic acts. Hurt by close friend not telling her the truth, Carter was ready to save Rogers from his mental prison, no matter the costs.[3]
Attack on Bucky Barnes[]
The Hydra Stomper arrives
- "Mr. Secretary, we need to move you to a secured location."
"What's going on?"
"Sir, we believe there might be an attempt on your life." - ―Brock Rumlow and Bucky Barnes[src]
Decoding a transmission from the Lemurian Star, S.H.I.E.L.D. learned that the Hydra Stomper was planning to kill Secretary Bucky Barnes. Just as the Hydra Stomper was about to execute his mission, STRIKE arrived and protected Barnes. As they were escorting him to a secure location, the Hydra Stomper burst into the Triskelion's stairwell and attempted to attack the Secretary yet again. Captain Carter jumped on the Hydra Stomper with her shield, sending both of them tumbling down the center shaft of the stairwell.
Bucky Barnes spots the Hydra Stomper
Carter then rode the Hydra Stomper as it burst into the building's lobby before it was able to shake Carter off. The Hydra Stomper the flew to the top of the Triskelion, where it was attacked by two Quinjets. Having been authorized to use lethal force, Black Widow, alongside another S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, engaged in an aerial battle with the Hydra Stomper. The Stomper soon punched off the left wing of the other S.H.I.E.L.D. agent's Quinjet, causing it to crash into the building's helipad, therefore forcing Brock Rumlow and Barnes to retreat back into the Triskelion.
Bucky Barnes blocks Black Widow's shot
As STRIKE made their way down a hallway with Barnes, the Hydra Stomper broke through a wall and cornered them. Seeing that Widow had a clear shot at Hydra Stomper through a window, Rumlow ordered Barnes and his men to get down on the ground. When Barnes heard Widow ask for permission to fire at the Hydra Stomper, he stood up and blocked the shot. Despite protests from Rumlow, Barnes attempted to get through to his old friend, briefly causing him to lower his guard. His Red Room programming soon kicked back in and he was ready to kill Barnes once again until Carter ran in an attacked him.
Captain Carter fights the Hydra Stomper
Carter and the Hydra Stomper duked it out in the hallway as Carter attempted to damage the power source of the armor. The Hydra Stomper then took Carter through the roof the building and into the sky. Successfully shutting down the armor, the former lovers began to plummet to the ground below before being caught by Widow in her Quinjet.[3]
Steve Rogers Returns[]
Steve Rogers returns
- "I don't remember much. When I was awake, the suit was in control. It was like watching the world through a fogged glass."
"I stepped through a door. In one breath, the war was over and the future was here." - ―Steve Rogers and Captain Carter[src]
Having disobeyed her orders to kill the Hydra Stomper, Black Widow took him and Captain Carter to a remote location. The two learned that not only has the Hydra Stomper suit kept Rogers the same age, it was also the only thing keeping him alive. With a system reboot of the armor, Rogers returned from his brainwashed state and offered to show Carter and Widow to the Red Room so they could find a cure for his condition.
Captain Carter collapses at the feet of the Hydra Stomper
The next day, Rogers took the two to a former Sokovian military base modeled after a stereotypical American town. Rogers told the Red Room that his suit needed repairs and to send a transport before he and Carter spent some alone time together in a gazebo. Just as the two were rekindling feelings and about to kiss, they were attacked by the base's animatronic Americans with Widow Bites. As the duo battled the army of robots, Black Widow came in to assist. Amid the battle, the Hydra Stomper shut down again, leaving Carter dismayed. Attempting to push through the barrage of electric shocks to get to Rogers, Carter and Widow collapsed from the repeated shocks.[3]
Destruction of the Red Room[]
Captain Carter and Black Widow stand their ground
- "You are Captain Margaret Carter, the epitome of womanhood and science. I don't know whether to kiss you, kill you or dissect you."
- ―Melina Vostokoff to Captain Carter[src]
As Captain Carter and Black Widow awoke and got to their feet, they were greeted by the leader of the Red Room, Melina Vostokoff, also Romanoff's adopted mother, and her team of Black Widows. While the Hydra Stomper came back online, Vostokoff revealed that he was never free from his brainwashing; it was all just a ploy to lure Carter away from her allies so that she could be taken by the Red Room. Carter and Romanoff refused to come with Vostokoff peacefully, prompting her to order the Hydra Stomper and her Widows to attack them.
Captain Carter fights the Hydra Stomper
The Widows pursued Romanoff while the Hydra Stomper battled Carter as she tried to get him to snap out of his programming. In the midst of their fight, the Hydra Stomper knocked down the fake town's water tower, covering the town in darkness and dust. Using the cover to their advantage, Romanoff and Carter were able to briefly get the upper hand against their opponents. The former then used one of the animatronics' hands to subdue the Widows attacking her, leaving her in a one on one duel with Vostokoff.
The Red Room Academy is destroyed
Barely able to fight back against the Hydra Stomper and sick of fighting the one she loved, Carter threw down her shield and begged Steve Rogers to be with her. Seemingly breaking through to Rogers, he decided to destroy the Red Room once and for all. Despite Carter's pleas for him to stay with her, he flew up into the sky and prepared to destroy the Red Room Academy. Meanwhile, Romanoff was outmatched in her battle with Vostokoff, but as she was held in a chokehold by her former surrogate mother, she spotted the Hydra Stomper flying into the sky. Thinking fast, she headbutted Vostokoff, giving Romanoff enough time to use a grappling hook to attach Vostokoff to the rapidly ascending Hydra Stomper. As the Red Room Academy blew up and plummeted to the ground, Carter and Romanoff narrowly escaped in a Quinjet.[3]
Continued Multiversal Encounters[]
A Night Off[]
Peggy Carter goes to another universe
- "So much for the night off."
- ―Peggy Carter[src]
Peggy Carter planned to steal Tony Stark's car so she could have a fun night off. Running into Natasha Romanoff in the parking lot of Avengers Tower, Carter told her that she believed that Steve Rogers was still alive out there somewhere. Suddenly, a portal opened beneath Carter's feet. Romanoff attemped to save her friend, to no avail. Falling in, Carter found herself in another universe.[3] Upon saving the Multiverse yet again, Captain Carter was returned to this universe by Watcher.[6]
Meeting a Multiversal Hero[]
Captain Carter talks to the Hero of the Multiverse
- "Watcher if you keep this up, you're gonna to have to start to do employee evaluations. Well then c'mon hero, we have a Multiverse to protect."
- ―Captain Carter[src]
Later, Captain Carter would be contacted by Watcher yet again, this time to introduce Carter to the Hero of the Multiverse. Wanting to test the hero, Carter would throw her shield through the gateway linking this universe to the Hero of the Multiverse's universe. The Hero of the Multiverse was able to catch Carter's shield, which impressed her.[7]
Residents[]
Landmarks[]
- London, United Kingdom
- Mojave Desert, Nevada
- Nazi Germany
- New York City, New York
- Red Room Academy
- Sokovia
- Tønsberg, Norway
- Washington, D.C.
Appearances[]
In chronological order:
What If...? | Episode 1.01: What If... Captain Carter Were The First Avenger?
- What If...? | Episode 1.09: What If... The Watcher Broke His Oath?
- What If...? | Episode 2.05: What If... Captain Carter Fought the Hydra Stomper?
- What If...? | Episode 2.08: What If... The Avengers Assembled in 1602? (flashback; concurrent events)
- What If...? | Episode 2.09: What If... Strange Supreme Intervened? (flashback)
Trivia[]
- In this universe, Melina Vostokoff wears an iron, skin-tight suit resembling her comics role of Iron Maiden.
Behind the Scenes[]
- According to The Appendix to the Handbook of the Marvel Universe, a fan run site whose universe designations are approved by Marvel editorial, this universe is designated as Earth-82111.
Gallery[]
.jpeg "Watchers Report (Operation Rebirth).jpeg (125 KB)")
References[]
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 What If...?: 1.01: What If... Captain Carter Were The First Avenger?
- ↑ A.C. Bradley on X, December 26, 2023
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 What If...?: 2.05: What If... Captain Carter Fought the Hydra Stomper?
- ↑ A.C. Bradley on X, December 26, 2023
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 What If...?: 1.09: What If... The Watcher Broke His Oath?
- ↑ What If...?: 2.09: What If... Strange Supreme Intervened?
- ↑ What If...? – An Immersive Story
.png){kind=link}
.png){kind=link}
.png){kind=link}
.png){kind=link}
.png){kind=link}
1.jpg){kind=link}
.png){kind=link}
.png){kind=link}
